Love yard sales? Read this!
If you’ve got a yen for yard sales, you can turn that passion into a profession as an estate-sale host! Unlike a typical tag sale, pretty much the entire contents of a house is up for grabs—and a pro is hired to coordinate! Here’s how to get started:
✔ GET YOUR START!
“Luckily, running an estate sale doesn’t require any formal training or schooling, so anyone can do it!” says Marie Dietrich of Gary Germer & Associates, which has run estate sales for more than 30 years. As a host, you set prices, advertise the event and coordinate everything the day of—much like you would for your own garage sale. In exchange, you’re paid a percentage of the proceeds—from 25% to 50% depending on how valuable the home’s contents are and how hard they are to sell. When you’re starting out, it’s wise to attend lots of estate sales, taking note of what works and what doesn’t. Also smart: Volunteer to help a host—that way, you’ll learn even more about the ins and outs of the business!
✔ BUILD A CLIENT BASE!
Setting up a website and posting on social media like Facebook and Twitter will help attract clients. And Dietrich also advises listing your company on sites like Estatesales. net and Estatesales.org, joining your local chamber of commerce, listing your services on Craigslist. org and posting ads at local senior centers. “Also try forming partnerships with local realtors, who can recommend your services to their clients if they’re downsizing or moving,” she advises. And while it’s not required, Dietrich recommends getting your business bonded and insured. “This protects both you and your clients if something goes wrong during a sale. It’s not expensive—and will make you stand out from other, less professional estate-sale hosts!”
✔ GET SET FOR SUCCESS!
“To maximize profits, you’ll need some supplies but, luckily, nothing pricey,” Dietrich says. “Paper for signs, cleaning supplies, a pricing gun or stickers/tags and pens, and tape to mark off areas with no access.” You can display items right where they sit in the home— just be sure to clearly mark prices. Pull out items stashed away and display on folding tables covered in solid-colored tablecloths, and use rolling racks for clothes.
✔ BE COMPASSIONATE!
While some sales are just people downsizing, most are due to a family member’s passing—that means being compassionate and understanding is key. “Clients want to know you’re respecting their family’s personal possessions and that they can trust you,” Dietrich says. And it’ll boost your reputation as a host people want to work with!